Archive for 'Events'

The National Multiple Sclerosis, Society Colorado / Wyoming Chapter, held their Annual Walk for MS at the Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado.

Walkers chose an amazing 2, 5 or 10-mile hike through this breathtaking ski resort.

I was inspired by several MS survivors who in spite of the physical challenges that MS has bought upon them, hiked a rocky, sloping, wooded path that challenged even the fittest walkers.

Roughly 300 walkers dawned their walking shoes and hiking sticks to take on this amazing walk.

I was so happy that I participated with Team “Infusiasts” (get it: Infusion:)) from Neurological Consultants based here in Denver.  Several of the office staff, friends, family and one of the Doctors proudly formed this team and walked for this great cause.

I send a special “Thank You” to Suzanne Hakar for the invite.  I must say the beauty of the walk was far beyond my expectations.  Copper Mountain is about 75 miles east of Denver.

Get involved; Make a difference in someone else’s life and you may touch your own at the same time. – Keith

I’ve just relocated to Denver Colorado.  The “Mile High” City as its known.  An interesting and beautiful city I must say.  It seems everywhere I go I see walking paths and parks.  Recreation seems to abound here.  Everyone I speak to around the country just loves Denver.  I’ve only heard positive things about this great city.

Someone has taken a special place in my Heart and Soul and I’m looking forward to sharing dreams and opportunities with someone who has already given me so much without ever asking for anything in return.  To be able to love someone and more importantly accept love in return is a major milestone for me. I’m so much in Love:) I will certainly share and blog more about this as time goes by.

I still have my home in Vegas and Maryland but I’ve never been more excited about starting a new chapter in my life.  Being a Co-Chair of the Las Vegas Heart Walk will bring me back to Vegas throughout the year. I will continue my passionate advocacy work with the American Heart Association.

Colorado is ranked #1 as the least obese state with an adult obesity rate of 19.8{1ee8873d3da54571ef77633feec9b2f18618b0dba2f28faf42edb28003d1c6f7}. It is currently the only state under 20{1ee8873d3da54571ef77633feec9b2f18618b0dba2f28faf42edb28003d1c6f7}.  This is an interesting statistic in that 20 years ago this number would have been ranked the worst state.  What does this mean to me?  Colorado, as healthy as it projects itself, must ramp up its efforts to prevent the catastrophic numbers that await its youth and adult population that has besieged the country.  My mission of Awareness, Prevention, and Education along with Action seem to be the only way to curb the tide of what awaits this great state if nothing is done.

Cardiovascular Disease doesn’t care about statistics or some pie chart to tell individuals where it will strike.  The only force field against CVD we have as individuals is to eat heart healthy and get regular physical exercise. Regular check ups are equally important.

I’ll keep everyone posted but I’m ready to hit the ground running here. Every33Seconds.org is coming soon to Denver and the Nation:)  – Keith

This is the plate from my old 1996 Harley.  Maybe the plate I picked out 10 years earlier meant something for the future.

Today we had the kick-off party for the Las Vegas Heart Walk.  It was a great event.  I met other survivors and heard many stories on getting a Second Chance.

What 2nd Chance did you get? “For me, after a Heart Attack, it was another shot at this thing called life” – Keith


Click on the thermometer to find out more:

Visit my Heart Walk page.
Please start your own team or join my team “Outrunning My Shadow” for the 2011 American Heart Association Las Vegas Heart Walk.
Feel free to donate to my page or sign up and walk with our team.
If you’re out of state you can certainly sign up and be a virtual walker. I would be honored to walk for you or in honor or memory of a loved one. – Keith

The American Heart Association has featured my survival story as a “Story of Hope” for the month of July on their National Website. What An Honor!

www.Heart.org CLICK HERE to read the article.

The AHA has helped me share my message and join them in their mission to reduce cardiovascular disease throughout the country.

The people that I’ve worked with at the AHA have been amazing. In addition to raising money for medical research and grants, the AHA works in each state and Nationally to pass and assist with Heart Healthy legislation, programs and initiatives.

It’s easy to get involved.  Just visit YoureTheCure.Org and let your voice be heard.

Please feel free to share this post. – Keith

Hands Only CPR. It’s easier than you think.
If a person is down and unresponsive:
1. Call 911
2. Push Hard and Fast on the Chest

Nevada Update on AB571
This law was passed by public vote 3 years ago and now the legislature can reverse it without a vote of the people.
Make a difference if you live in Nevada. Go To https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/Opinions/A/ and show your opposition.
Select AB571 and please oppose this bill.  You can even write a comment.
AHA supporters,
Please see the below message.  Your continued outreach is needed.  Thanks for all that you have done so far to help stop this bill.  We need to multiply ourselves in order to be successful…
As many of you are aware, the hearing for AB571 took place this morning in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.  The passage of this bill, which would weaken the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act by allowing for smoking in ALL bars and taverns regardless of whether they serve food, will lead to increased exposure to secondhand smoke in Nevada.  Although not explicit in the language of the bill, a result will be eating establishments that walk the line between bar/tavern and restaurant (such as BW3s, Bully’s etc.), and possibly even restaurants that contain bars, will once again allow smoking.
We need ALL of you to please make a quick visit to the opinion page of the legislative website by clicking on the link below, and post your opposition and comments against the bill. We also need you to circulate this request through your email lists.  This bill may have the votes to pass, unless we can show a tremendous level of grassroots opposition.

Thank you for your continued help in fighting off the relentless efforts of big tobacco and their allies to weaken our law.
Nevada Senate Bill SB230, a bill that would require school districts to develop a policy to ban foods containing trans fat from being provided in schools, is now scheduled to be heard on Monday at 3:15pm in the Assembly Education Committee.  I will be testifying again in support of this legislation.
As many of you are well aware, trans fat is a double threat to our cardiovascular health because it has been shown to both lower our good cholesterol (HDL) and raise our bad cholesterol (LDL), as well as cause arterial inflammation.
Schools should be places where we strive to make available the healthiest foods possible, and with plenty of alternative oils that can now be used, we should not be providing food to our kids that contains trans fat.
KEY POINTS
•       Consumption of trans fat (trans fatty acids) are very harmful to our health.  Consumption of trans fat raises your ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol and lowers your ‘good’ (HDL) cholesterol levels.  It also causes or is a contributor to heart disease, diabetes, insulin resistance, hardening and clogging of the arteries, etc.
•       SB230 requires school districts to develop a policy to ban foods with trans fat from being provided to students at schools and would apply to school sanctioned programs and athletic events, etc.
•       Banning trans fat does not mean banning ‘junk’ food.  Foods of minimal nutritional value are regularly made without trans fat.  Items such as crackers, pizza, pastries, etc. would still be allowed to be served/purchased at schools.
•       Over the past decade many food manufactures have reformulated many of their products to eliminate trans fat by using alternative oils that are readily available.  Consumers have demanded trans fat free products are they are now widely available.  This will minimize any burden to schools.
•       Schools should be places where we strive to serve our children the healthiest food possible.
Thanks, Keith


Heart Walk Kick-Off Party at the Cosmopolitan!

It will be July 7th from 8-10 am at the Boulevard Pool. Guests will be team captains from community teams and companies, and sponsors. Space is limited to our top 125 supporters. We will have beverages and breakfast for all attendees. Invitations will be going out soon, so sign up as a team captain for the Heart Walk (if you haven’t already) at www.lasvegasheartwalk.org to receive an invitation)



The American Heart Association’s Las Vegas Heart Ball was held April 30, 2011 at the World Famous Mirage Resort in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada.

Hundreds of supporters attended the Gala. Philanthropists, Corporations and Individuals opened up their hearts and checkbooks to save lives and advance the mission of the American Heart Association.

10-month-old fellow survivor Lola Worthen was the guest of honor as her brave mother shared Lola’s story of Survival and Life.

Dozens of items were auctioned off during a silent auction during the cocktail reception and then the grand auction took place with items valued up to $48,000 being auctioned off to the highest bidder all in the name of saving lives.

The Beatles (or their tribute band Yesterday) played all the hits before and during dinner.

Enjoy and please share the video:)

Oh what a night it was. Kudos to the Las Vegas AHA team:) – Keith